Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
Pierce’s Victory Fund spends against Fillmore
A committee whose goal is to return a robust GOP majority to the state Senate has taken sides in a Republican primary, spending money to help Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, beat Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction.
The Republican Victory Fund recently sent out a mailer touting Crandall’s record, including his vote to pass SB1070.
As expected, Fillmore is dismayed by the commit[...]
Panel scrutinizes federal decision to end immigration agreements with Arizona lawmen
A Republican-led ad hoc committee has begun looking into the implications of the Obama administration’s decision to sever agreements that authorized local law enforcers to check people’s immigration status.
Ugenti’s committee to tackle Colorado City, immigration issues
A decision by the Obama administration to sever agreements that authorized local law enforcers to check people’s legal status will get its first public hearing by a legislative body tomorrow.
The hearing starts at 1:30 p.m. in the House.
Court blocks law targeting Planned Parenthood’s funding
A U.S. District Court has temporarily blocked Arizona from implementing a new law that prohibits public funds from going to Planned Parenthood.
The law bars the state from contracting with or making a grant to any entity that performs an abortion or maintains an abortion facility.
Analysts: AZ could get cash infusion by lifting Medicaid freeze
A year ago, Republicans boasted that they made the tough decisions on state spending needed to close a massive budget deficit. The decision to freeze enrollment in state-funded health care for the poor was held up most often by Republicans as a shining example of how they addressed the festering fiscal imbalance.
But one incentive might persuade Arizona’s policymakers to let the unins[...]
Arizona health insurance exchange hangs in balance
By upholding the federal health care law, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to establish their own health insurance exchanges — web portals where individuals and small businesses can purchase health plans.
Nelson drops re-election bid, Shooter now unopposed
Sen. John Nelson, a veteran politician and longtime legislator, abruptly announced today that he is retiring from public service and is dropping his bid for re-election. Nelson’s decision paves the way for Sen. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, to secure the Senate seat in Legislative District 13.
AZ Supreme Court reinstates Cheuvront’s mom on ballot
The Arizona Supreme Court today reinstated Jean Cheuvront-McDermott, a Democrat who is running for a House seat in central Phoenix, on the primary ballot.
Arizona Legislative campaign finance round-up
Mesa businessman Bob Worsley has far outraised his primary opponent, former Senate President Russell Pearce, taking in about $67,000 in contributions during the first five months of the year. Pearce, meanwhile, collected a mere $2,800 during the same period, according to the latest campaign finance reports. The deadline to file the reports was July 2, and they reflect campaign finances throu[...]
Bundgaard letter: Vast conspiracy to destroy ex-lawmaker
Insisting he was the “victim” and not the perpetrator of domestic violence, former Sen. Scott Bundgaard lashed out at the city of Phoenix, its police department and the chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, claiming they colluded to destroy him.
Fresh off health care victory, feds roll out grant program for states
Fresh from its U.S. Supreme Court victory, the Obama administration today rolled out another financial incentive for states to implement their own health care exchanges, which are key components of the federal health care overhaul.
Pearce foes form campaign committee to oppose ex-senator
The group that helped drive Russell Pearce out of the state Capitol last year has created a campaign committee to help block his comeback to the Senate this year.